The 2017 HSCG Conference, My First Public Speaking Event.

 

I like to push myself out of my comfort zone every once in a while. So I did it. I spoke in public for the first time last weekend at the 2017 HSCG Conference in Las Vegas. I prepared for months, practiced for weeks and although I was nervous, it wasn’t as uncomfortable as I’d imagined.

 

My Presentation

I spoke twice. The title of my presentation was “From Trash to Cash-How to get the most out of your soap”. It was about different ways to use your leftover soap batter, ends and shavings. First I talked about general ways to save money while soap making, and then specific ways to use up your soap. I finished with a demonstration of recreating a painting with soap ends.  I made Monet’s “Waterlilies”, a soap I make and sell around the holidays.

 

There were so many familiar and friendly faces in the audience.  That really helped me feel comfortable. My goal for the presentation was that everyone there would pick up one or two ideas of ways to save money and generate more income. During the presentation I wanted audience participation, because I’m no expert and we learn from each other.  I heard a few great ideas from my colleagues. Fellow soap makers came up to me after and told me they did learn something new.

 

 

My one regret is I forgot to ask friends to take a picture of me while I was speaking.  The one above is the only one I have.

 

I made new friends (hi Jane, Kathy, Bonnie and the rest of my new soap making friends!) and connected with old ones I don’t get to see that often (hi Erin, Renee, Charlene and all you other soap making addicts!) . We spent 3 days eating, breathing and talking about soap and even though we were exhausted, we kept going. As much as I loved my time in Las Vegas, I’m grateful to be home.

 

What are you grateful for this week?

 

Yours in Gratitude,

Angela